he 2016-2041 Pell City Comprehensive Plan meetings take place at the Pell City Municipal Complex (pictured). Photo by Ellen Sowa.

On Feb. 16 members of the Pell City community, city employees, and city leaders came together to continue discussions for the 2016-2041 Pell City Comprehensive Plan. The focus of this meeting was the assets and issues with transportation.

Meetings are held every two weeks on Thursday night, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Pell City Municipal Complex. The aspects of environment and recreation have already been discussed, but elements may be revisited at the conclusion of the planning sessions if needed. Topics to be discussed in future meetings are utilities, housing, economic development, historic downtown, education, and public safety. The public is welcome to attend and voice any concerns or suggestions.

“We would like to get input from the community as well as those involved with the city,” Katherine Ennis, AICP at Epiphany Collaboration, LLC, said. Ennis has extensive knowledge of city planning and is leading the discussions on key elements that will benefit city improvement long-term.

Many transportation assets that were cited in the Thursday night meeting were the access to Interstate 20, two state highways, airport, railroad, and Lake Logan Martin for boating. Many other aspects of transportation were discussed such as 5310, which is on-demand public transport, Veterans transit pick-up, Commute Smart, and the Greyhound bus station located at the Shell station on Highway 231. Many of these may not be as well known or fully utilized by the community, but they contribute to the overall access to the city.

With additional industry, commercialized areas, and an influx of population growth, issues of congestion points of traffic were raised. Many road intersections, especially during peak times of traffic such as morning and afternoon school, were listed. Congestion points at Vaughn Lane and Little John Road (Wal-Mart intersection), Pell City Civic Center, Highway 78 and Hardwick Lane, and the intersection of 19th Street South, Highway 34, and Highway 231 were listed as areas of traffic that could use more traffic flow study and possible improvement.

Other transportation issues were a lack of sidewalks, ease of access to the new St. Vincent St. Clair Hospital, public access areas to Logan Martin Lake, and increased rail access to attract more industry to the area. Upgrades to the local airport in order to accommodate more air delivery and air fuel business were also suggested.

“There is a lack of funding for infrastructure and improvement,” Greg Gosset, superintendent of the Pell City Street and Maintenance Department, added. He said an ongoing maintenance schedule for streets and infrastructure has been in place but not fully utilized. Adhering to a schedule of regular road maintenance, repairs, and new pavement when needed would help allay costs over time, Katherine Ennis said.

The 2016-2041 Pell City Comprehensive Plan, based on city leadership, employees, and public input will offer an access of projects and help provide continuity in important plans and priorities for future administrations.

The next meeting for the Pell City Comprehensive Plan will be held on Thursday, March 2 at 5:30 pm at the Pell City Municipal Complex. The topic will be utilities. For more information visit pell-city.com/comprehensive-plan-2041.

Pell City Comprehensive Plan Elements Meetings

March 2: Utilities

March 16: Housing

April 6: Economic Development

April 20: Historic Downtown

May 4: Education

May 18: Public Safety